1. How to be a Good Witness A presentation to citizens from the Gilbert Police Communications Section

2. When You Call 911 – The basics The 911 Operator will need the following the 5 W’s: ◦ Where is the emergency? ◦ What is going on – Fight, Medical Emergency, Fire ◦ When Did This Happen? ◦ Who is involved – Descriptions of persons and vehicles ◦ Weapons – Were there weapons used?

3. The Police Response Process You call 911 or Communications 911 Operator obtains location of incident. 911 Operator enters location and type of incident into computer system for dispatch.

4. Police Response Process (cont) Dispatcher identifies the call and dispatches the nearest available officers depending upon call type and priority. Officers respond while 911 operator is continuing to obtain information. 911 Operator disconnects when officer arrives on scene or needs no further info.

5. The Specifics – Where ◦ Location is important. If we know nothing else about what is going on, knowing where you are can get you assistance. ◦ Be Specific – If you are at a residence, we need the address. If you’re at the mall, be able to identify a nearby landmark such as a store or restaurant. ◦ Businesses – There are many shops in Gilbert, some with multiple locations. Please know the nearest cross streets. ◦ Subdivisions – Know cross streets within the subdivision.

6. The Specifics – What Many types of calls can necessitate more than one emergency agency to respond. We will typically ask the following questions: ◦ What is happening? ◦ Does anyone need paramedics or medical attention? ◦ Does the fire department need to respond?

7. The Specifics – When One of the key determining factors of how quickly an officer may respond is how long ago the incident occurred. ◦ Is the incident going on right now or did it happen two days ago? ◦ Is the suspect still there? ◦ Are you standing by at a location other than where the incident occurred?

8. The Specifics - Who This is the information we need when getting descriptions of vehicles – ◦ CYMBALS method of reporting:  Color  Year  Make  Brand  Anything else distinguishing? Stickers, 2-door, 4- door, tool kit, etc.  License plate  State plate was issued from

9. The Specifics – Who (Cont) This is the information we need when getting descriptions of people – ◦ Race and gender ◦ Height, weight and age ◦ Hair color and facial hair (if any) ◦ Clothing (shirt, pants, jacket) ◦ Accessories (hats and glasses) ◦ Anything else distinctive

10. The Specifics – Who (Cont) Descriptions help officers arriving on scene identify who they are looking for immediately upon arrival. Obtaining descriptions does not slow down police response.

11. The Specifics – Weapons For your safety and the safety of responding officers, weapons will always be asked about on emergency calls. ◦ Are there weapons at the location police are responding to? ◦ Were weapons used or displayed at any time? ◦ What kind of weapons – a gun vs. a kitchen knife? ◦ Are those weapons out right now or safely secured?

12. Examples of Priority Differences High Priority Incidents – Dial 9-1-1 ◦ Medical emergency ◦ Fires in progress ◦ Violence crime in progress – stabbing, shooting or fights ◦ Domestic violence ◦ Drunk or reckless drivers ◦ Traffic accidents or collisions ◦ Theft, burglary, or robbery in progress

13. Examples of Priority Differences Lower Priority Incidents – Call Gilbert Police at 480 503 6500 ◦ Threatening letters or phone calls where the subject is not present. ◦ Damage to property not in progress such as vehicle burglaries or graffiti ◦ Barking dogs/noise complaints ◦ Credit card fraud ◦ Civil issues

14. Things to Remember It is the 911 Operator’s job to ask the questions they do. Questions we ask don’t slow down the response of the officers. Questions we ask do help the officers assist you sooner when they arrive on scene. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can respond! Don’t wait!

15. Questions or Comments Remember – If you have a police, fire or medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 For general inquiries or other types of police reports, please call the Gilbert Police Department Communications – 480 503 6500